Kite Festival and Walk for Unity on Jan. 12

HOUSTON: Hindus from the greater Houston area will gather at the George Bush Park (16756 Westheimer Parkway off  Westheimer) in Houston on Sunday, January 12  from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to celebrate the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti in Hindu calendar.

As a part of the tradition observed in India on this day, a lot of kites will fill the sky. For those who do not have their own kites, kites from India and strings will be available for a small donation. Families can also enjoy the games like volleyball and cricket.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own vegetarian picnic lunch. Gujarati Samaj of Houston will provide Masala Khhichdi for a nominal donation for those who choose not to bring their own lunch. Ekal Vidyalaya will provide free tea to all.

As the day also marks Swami Vivekananda’s birthday, a new and historic “Walk for Unity” is being organized at George Bush Park and at least 500 people are expected to participate in the walk between 12 and 12:30. This event signifies the solidarity of Houston with the “Statue of Unity” movement in India.

The Statue of Unity, when built, will be the world’s tallest statue, standing at 182 meters, nearly twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty. This will be the world’s biggest symbol of Unity, and will remind the world of how Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, known as the Iron Man of India, united the diverse and nascent nation of India after its Independence.

Surya Namaskar Yagna is a nationwide movement, Salutation to the Sun, organized by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh from Jan. 11 to Jan. 26. This event will take place from 11:00 a.m to noon.

To avoid parking problem due to large crowds, attendees are advised to car-pool. There will be shuttles running from various nearby locations to the park site.  Parking shuttles will run to the various neighboring parking lots and the main parking lot will be George Bush high school.

In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled to January 19.

Makar Sankranti ( Kite Flying festival) is sponsored by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America in cooperation with the Gujarati Samaj of Houston , Hindus of the Greater Houston, as well as other organizations. The event is open to all and not limited to Hindus.

For further information please contact Girish Naik at 281-851-6866  or visit Hindusofhouston.org.